Measurement of Ergonomic Program in a Workplace: A Proposed Framework

Abstract

It is a widely known fact that implementing ergonomic programs in a workplace is not always an easy task. Part of the difficulty is due to the inability to measure performance associated with the ergonomic interventions. Consequently, it is also difficult to justify investments required for introducing such interventions. This paper will discuss several financial measures that can be used to justify expenses associated with ergonomic interventions. In addition, the paper will introduce the use of balanced measures. This approach takes into account non-financial and indirect performance resulting from ergonomic interventions in a workplace. This paper will also propose the concept of Ergonomic Performance Index (EPI), an aggregated figure that tells management the magnitude of performance improvements achieved within a specified time frame. This framework is proposed to help ergonomic practitioners market ergonomics.